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Kon-Tiki. Thor Heyerdahl’s telegram went out: “Am going to cross the Pacific on a wooden raft, Kon-Tiki, to support theory that the South Sea Islands were peopled from Peru. Will you come?”. How might you respond to the invitation to be a crew member aboard the Kon-Tiki?.
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Kon-Tiki Thor Heyerdahl’s telegram went out: “Am going to cross the Pacific on a wooden raft, Kon-Tiki, to support theory that the South Sea Islands were peopled from Peru. Will you come?”
How might you respond to the invitation to be a crew member aboard the Kon-Tiki?
If you were a person who longed for adventure, why might this voyage be appealing?
Kon-Tiki’s Voyage 4,300 miles Lima French Polynesia
Kon-Tiki • Constructed of nine thick Peruvian balsa logs lashed together with hemp rope. • The raft measured 45 ft. long in the center, but was tapered 30 ft. at the sides, producing a bluntly pointed bow. • Two masts supported a large rectangular sail, and a bamboo cabin was built near the center of the raft. • A large steering oar at the stern and five centerboards completed the design. • No metal was used.
The Voyage • Kon-Tiki’s six member crew lead by Thor Heyerdahl will sail 4,300 miles across the Pacific Ocean. • On April 28, 1947, Kon-Tiki is towed out of Callao Harbor in Lima Peru and set adrift. • On August 7, 1947, the 101st day of the voyage, Kon-Tiki crashes into the Tuamoto Archipelago.
Taking Notes • Bi-fold your paper • Label the two columns • Courage • Careful Preparation
Courage • Willing to risk a voyage of 4,300 miles on an open raft • The raft is relatively small, powered by wind and current • They knew they would crash, but were hopeful of survival • Planned to stay on Kon-Tiki at all costs—Hold on! • They valued one another so much that, “If one survived, all would survive.” • Remained calm, each one knowing what he should do. • Trusted one another with their lives. • All survived because of the courage each crew member displayed.
Careful Preparation • Made a plan for their inevitable crash, knowing they couldn’t avoid the reef. • Secured everything of value in the cabin. • Prepared a raft, placing provisions in it. • A water tight radio • Food • Freshwater • Placed all documents and film of the voyage in water tight containers • Medical supplies • Tried to cut off centerboards so Kon-Tiki might ride over the reef. • Trimmed the sails to reduce the wind surface. • Made an anchor using old batteries and sticks, tied it to the mast and threw it off the aft of the raft. • Sent out a radio message of their location • Put on life jackets and shoes.